6 Top places to stay in Durham, NC

So, you’re visiting the Bull City and need a place to stay? Durham is not short of options for you. We’re big fans of Durham, not just as a day trip but as a weekend destination in its own right. It has an innovative atmosphere, where lab coats and craft lattes coexist harmoniously, and every street corner is bursting with history, an artistic flair, and a community vibe. 

With a city that offers so much excitement, you’ll want to find the perfect pillow to rest your head on at the end of the day. In this guide, we’ve picked our top places to stay in Durham, from chic boutiques to grand hotels and budget vacation rentals, so you can rest easy in this buzzing city.

Best overall place to stay – 21c Museum Hotel Durham

Occupying the former Hill Building, which was originally built in 1937 as the Durham Bank & Trust Company HQ and once Durham’s tallest structure, 21c Museum Hotel Durham is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. 

It’s well known for its Art Deco design, but the beauty doesn’t stop at the outside – inside the boutique hotel doubles as a contemporary art space and features a rotating exhibit of carefully curated art and installations. We love visiting this hotel to enjoy a drink at light bites at the bar, check out the artwork, and the bank vault – a fun space to enjoy a drink!

The guest rooms come with high ceilings and large windows, as well as custom furnishings and designer touches. Some have private terraces and living areas. There’s an onsite spa with a sauna and steam room, fitness center, and elegant onsite restaurant, Counting House, which specializes in seafood and North Carolinian cuisine. See prices and availability here.

Best budget place to stay – Unscripted Durham – JDV by Hyatt

Unscripted is a mid‑century motel that’s easy on the budget but heavy on hospitality.  Its retro-inspired design pairs well with the creative energy of the neighboring American Tobacco Campus and Durham Performing Arts Center. Rooms come with a bold aesthetic – think clean lines, patterned wallpaper, and vintage pieces.

On a warm summer’s day, head upstairs to the outdoor pool and deck, which has sun loungers and umbrellas, and a sweeping view of the Durham high-rises. They also have winter igloos during the season – especially magical during Christmas.

Also by the outdoor pool is the onsite bar, The Patio, which serves New American bites and drinks. There’s also a café-style restaurant, The Studio, where you can get grab‑and‑go breakfast and light food options. See prices and availability here.

Best affordable place to stay for families – SpringHill Suites Durham City View

For families, an all-suite option may be more cost-effective and convenient. The SpringHill Suites are within walking distance of the American Tobacco Campus, Durham Bulls Stadium, and DPAC, but far enough away that you don’t get caught up with the nightlife crowd.

Every suite has a contemporary design with lots of natural light, separate sleeping and seating areas, and ergonomic work desks. Each morning, a complimentary breakfast is served to guests and features a full hot buffet, which has a lot of options – typically eggs, yogurt, waffles, etc.  The lobby also has a 24/7 market that serves snacks and basic necessities. See prices and availability here.

Best mid-range place to stay – Durham Marriott City Center

If you’re visiting Durham for a baseball game or to catch a show at the performing arts center, the Durham Marriott City Center is the most convenient place to stay.

It features simple rooms with modern décor, plush bedding, and large work desks. If you opt for a corner rooms, you get these amazing panoramic views of downtown Durham.

It has a Southern-inspired restaurant, Table South Kitchen & Bar, which has seasonal dishes and handcrafted cocktails, and there’s a Starbucks kiosk in the lobby. Other amenities include a 24-hour gym, indoor pool, and gift shop. See prices and availability here.

Best high-end place to stay – The Durham Hotel

The Durham Hotel is a 4-star boutique hotel housed in a mid-century modern building originally designed by architect Perry C. Langston in 1968. Although it has been renovated since then, the last being in 2015, the hotel has kept some of its retro aesthetics and paired it with a more contemporary design.

It’s a small hotel, with just 53 rooms, allowing every guest to feel like they have a tailor-made and intimate experience. Guests benefit from custom blankets made by Raleigh Denim, a Burt’s Bees bedside gift basket for each room, and a mini fridge snack bar stocked with locally sourced goods.

There’s also an upscale restaurant onsite, The Restaurant at The Durham, which has a seasonal menu made with local ingredients, as well as a rooftop lounge, The Roof at The Durham, which has small plates and craft cocktails. We enjoy coming here for a drink before or after a show at DPAC or the Durham Bulls to enjoy the buzz and the views. The Roof also hosts events such as rooftop yoga classes, author readings, and live music. See prices and availability here.

Best vacation rental – Tiny home with incredible garden

One of our favorite things about Durham is the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, a botanic garden that’s bursting with color and floral aromas. To compliment Durham’s botany legacy, this tiny two bedroom home has the most incredible garden of any in the Piedmont. The hosts are one of fewer-than-20 Airbnb Belo Award winners in the world, and were recognised for their gorgeous 1960s brick split-level home.

The garden is obviously the main draw, but it also has a private entrance, parking, living space with a fireplace, a kitchenette, and be within walking distance of the university and the Durham Bulls baseball field. See prices and availability here.